Craig Ross knows that St Johnstone’s unbeaten start to the season makes them a tough proposition, but the defender sees no reason why the Diamonds can’t come out on top in Tuesday evening’s rearranged fixture.

It’s a second home fixture in quick succession following Saturday’s 0-0 draw with second-placed Raith Rovers, with the league leaders now visiting after the original tie was postponed due to international call-ups.

Speaking after the match, Ross admitted that it wasn’t quite a knockout performance – but neither were Airdrie saved by the bell.

“I think we were good. I think we were really good first half, and second half we kinda got penned in a little bit.

“We’re looking to see it out – we don’t want to lose one, but we obviously want to score one, so it’s trying to find that balance of not going too gung-ho.”

Ross was part of a solid defensive unit which ensured Airdrie’s first clean sheet of the league campaign, and the former Stranraer man says it can be a big confidence boost ahead of Tuesday night’s fixture.

“You want to win your home games, but as a back four and even Dyl coming on, you want that clean sheet. Hopefully we can build on that going into Tuesday.

“If we can keep it tight at the back it can let others have a bit more freedom going forward instead of being wide open if they lose it.”

With five wins and a draw already under their belt, St Johnstone will also be coming into the match in confident mood – but Ross can’t wait to get stuck in.

“It’ll be a tough game, obviously they’re flying at the top of the league, but it’s a good challenge for us.

“You want to play against the best teams, so we’re looking forward to it.

“We’re needing that first win just to get it off our back. Hopefully on Tuesday we can go and do that.”

The Perth Saints were on the wrong end of a 1-0 scoreline when the sides met in the Scottish Cup at the beginning of last year, but although their subsequent relegation to the Championship could not be avoided, results under current boss Simo Valakari have vastly improved.

Such challenges were clearly an incentive when Craig made his summer move from Stair Park and League 2, and he’s loving life in a Diamond so far.

“It’s a big, big jump coming from Stranraer, but the boys and the management have been brilliant with me.

“It’s just about going into the games with belief – but it’s been a good challenge and I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Manager Danny Lennon says that team spirit can give Airdrie the edge they need to cause an upset against the table-toppers.

“We know that St Johnstone have started the season terrifically well. They’ve got a little bit of everything – they’ve got speed, they’ve got power, they can play in the right areas.

“These are the challenges that all players should want to go out and pit their wits against, test themselves against these good players.

“I think we’re very good as a team – there’s a togetherness there, there’s a unity. That’s going to see us far.

“We know we don’t have the biggest budget in the league, but budgets don’t guarantee anything. Organisation, belief, having that structure – I certainly believe that we’re getting that balance right.”

Goalkeeper Cade Melrose and midfielder Alex King are unlikely to feature for the Diamonds, with defender Cammy Bruce still progressing well towards a return early next year.

Referee Lloyd Wilson returns to the Albert Bartlett having officiated Airdrie’s opening league fixture, August’s 2-2 draw with Ross County.

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